All 14 NPL Men’s clubs are in action this Saturday night in a decisive weekend in the NPL and FQPL competitions.
Kicking off the Round 26 action is a top-of-the-table clash between Peninsula Power and Brisbane Roar at AJ Kelly Park.
Further north, fifth-placed Sunshine Coast Wanderers host third-placed Gold Coast Knights in a game that could prove to be important for both sides.
Lions FC are up against Brisbane Strikers at home as the defending NPL champions look to take their winning streak to seven games.
Olympic FC are just two points outside the top four and host Redlands United this weekend, while Moreton Bay United need a win against Logan Lightning to keep their finals hopes alive.
Five clubs technically remain the drop zone, with the most pressure on Brisbane Strikers, Magpies Crusaders and Redlands United.
In the FQPL 1, the top four is locked in and Brisbane City, Rochedale Rovers, SWQ Thunder and Western Pride all look to build momentum ahead of the finals.
Meanwhile, in the FQPL 2, Magic United and North Star will both be desperate for a win this weekend as the race for a spot in the finals reaches its crescendo.
Magic United play Samford Rangers on Saturday evening, while North Star are away to premiers Caboolture FC.
Fans can watch all First Grade NPL and FQPL matches LIVE on NPL.TV, free for Australian residents.
Feature Matches:
Peninsula Power v Brisbane Roar
Brisbane Roar could make a huge step towards the NPL Men’s Premiership this weekend as they take on league-leaders Peninsula Power.
The Roar are one point behind Power and are on a four-game winning streak, including last weekend’s sensational 4-2 win over Moreton Bay United.
But Power, who returned to winning ways last weekend, are still in pole position with two games in hand over the Roar.
The last time these two sides met, in Round 13, Power took all three points after a late winner to Andy Pengelly.
But if the Roar can win this weekend, they will go top of the table on points with four games left to play.
Match Details
Saturday 25 September, 5:00pm
A J Kelly Park, Kippa Ring
Sunshine Coast Wanderers v Gold Coast Knights
Fifth plays third this Saturday night at Ballinger Park as Sunshine Coast Wanderers host Gold Coast Knights.
Both sides have been in good form over the past four rounds, losing just one and winning the other three.
The last time these two sides met, in Round 13, Knights won 4-2 at home at the Croatian Sports Centre.
But the Wanderers are at home this weekend and a win would see them leapfrog Knights and potentially take third spot.
Starting this Saturday, the Wanderers have five huge games against Knights, Olympic FC, Moreton Bay United, Magpies Crusaders and Peninsula Power as they push for their first-ever finals appearance.
Match Details
Saturday 25 September, 6:00pm
Ballinger Park, Buderim
Key players:
Keegan Jelacic (Brisbane Roar): Scored the first and last goal in the Roar’s dramatic 4-2 win over Moreton Bay last weekend.
Josh Wooley (Peninsula Power): Scored a crucial winner for the Power last weekend to help his side return to winning ways.
Joshua Breen (North Star): Has scored in consecutive weeks as North Star push for a place in the FQPL 2 finals.
Josh Casey (Magic United): Bagged his second goal in two weeks against Coomera last weekend to help Magic to a third straight win.
Click here for the NPL Men’s Round 26 Schedule.
Click here for the FQPL 1 Men’s Round 20 Schedule.
Click here for the FQPL 2 Men’s Round 19 Schedule.
Image: Peninsula Power